If you could only do one thing…

“I measure my happiness by whether people close to me are happy and love me, and by the difference I make in other people’s lives.”

Bill gates knows a thing or two about success.

What does he advise recent grads of 2017?

Focus on three fields:

Artificial Intelligence

Energy

Bio tech

Why?

The the future is going there. Resources, jobs and progression of our society.

How do you contribute to accelerating progress?

Two ways:

Focus on understanding people’s talents. Gates recognized later in life the smarts of coding was important and the people side even more.

He also says “the world is getting better and I do believe that is true.” Gates references a book from a Steve Pinker where he said “it’s never been a better more peaceful time to be alive and because of this we can accelerate progress.”

I find it fulfilling to read the words of a major historical figure and global contributor as they reflect back on life lessons and what they would do differently.

It begs the question, 20, 30 years from now, looking back on your career what do you wish you had done differently?

Close your eyes, push yourself into that time period.

Who are you with?

What does your family look like?

What conservatively have you accomplished?

Who are you as a person?

And look back, reach back to now.

What is one thing you would change?

What is the one dream you have let go or left on the sideline for now?

And do two things.

1. Tell someone about it.

2. Resolve to revisit it and make a decision before it’s to late to pursue that dream.